32001To James Madison from Francisco C. Sarmiento, 8 April 1814 (Madison Papers)
The petition of Francis C. Sarmiento respectfully Sets forth. That on the twenty first of May 1811, a judgment was recover’d against your Petitioner in the District Court of the United States for the District of Pennsylvania for the sum of $26244. This proceeding was founded upon a bond under the Embargo law of the 22nd of December 1807. and its supplement of the 9th. of January 1808, which...
32002To Thomas Jefferson from Joseph Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There is a small matter that has gave me some exersise & it opened in my mind to ask thy advice altho’ it may seem too little for one in thy station especiall now when the hapiness of our Country demands so much of thy attention, but I think if thee can give a little room in thy mind at some times to attend to little matters that are useful thy mind may return with more vigor to the more...
32003[Diary entry: 10 October 1798] (Washington Papers)
10. and eleventh absent—in the Federal City—Weather warm & dry the whole time. Mr. Welch & Mr. Tracy came in the afternoon. James Welch’s visit was for the purpose of persuading GW to accept some of Welch’s other lands in place of a portion of the Elk Creek tract as security for his payment on GW’s Kanawha lands. Welch thought he had a buyer for some of the Elk Creek lands, and he needed the...
32004To Thomas Jefferson from Philip Turner, 28 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
After all due respect to your personal and public character, praying your healthy and happiness, I beg leave to mention to you that I have before congress my memorial for a special Act on its merits, if with propriety and fitness to your standing as Head of the nation, you can say, that you believe, the business of Doctr. Turners ought to be settled, it would add honour and give a most decided...
32005To Benjamin Franklin from Richard Bache, 20 December 1780 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I had the pleasure of writing you a day or two ago by the Shelala Capt. Holmes, on board of whom I have put 2 Barrels of Pippins & one large Barrel of Nuts, I also sent you the 2d. Sets of your Interest Bills; I now inclose you the third. We are just informed that Capt. Smith in the Kensington is arrived at Boston, having been chased in there, by a Frigate,...
32006[Diary entry: 21 March 1769] (Washington Papers)
21. Clear and very warm the first part of the day. Windy the latter part from the Westward & at Night cool wind at No. West.
32007To Benjamin Franklin from Benjamin Sowden, 7 June 1777 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society In consequence of Your very obliging permission, I transmit the inclosed to Your Care. Its immediate destination is to my good Friend Mr. Rumsey, who, when he has read will transmit it to Mr. Gordon. You will therefore render me a very acceptable favor, if after the perusal of its contents, You will be so good as to seal, and address it to Mr. Rumsey. But...
32008Thomas Jefferson to William Short, 17 October 1812 (Jefferson Papers)
I have communicated to mr Higginbotham the substance of your letter of the 7 th and can now give you specific answers from him to your several queries. 1. the price 10. D. an acre paiable at Christmas of the years 1813. 14. 15. in equal instalments, with an understanding that if these paiments are delayed to & through April, paying interest on that delay, it shall not be deemed a breach of...
32009From Benjamin Franklin to John Holker, 28 October 1779 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Inclos’d I send you a Packet I have just received from Morlaix, containing some of the Papers you requested me to recover, and a Receipt for the Rest— You Will see what Mr. Diot says about the Trunks of Clothes. It will be best I imagine for the person who desires to have them, if he knows which they are, to Describe them to Mr. Diot or some other Person, and order...
32010To Alexander Hamilton from William Seton, 12 September 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I am desired by the President & Directors to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 7th. They have directed 50,000 Dollars to be paid to me agreeable to your desire, and the same is invested in the purchase of Stock, on account of the United States, as specified in the enclosed return. I have the honor to be with great respect &ca. LC , Bank of New York, New York City. This return is...
32011To George Washington from Brigadier General James Clinton, 19 November 1780 (Washington Papers)
In my last of the 12th inst. I had the Honor to inform your Excellency that Col. Weissenfels had marched for Fort Schuyler, and proceeded as far as the little Falls, where the Ice has obliged him to collect Teams to transport his Baggage by Land; but the Provision which had previously been sent on with a Detatchment under Captain Dunscomb, fortunately arrived at the Garrison safe before the...
32012I. Secretary of State to the President, enclosing Opinion, 12 July 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson had a conference yesterday with Mr. Madison on the subject recommended by the President. He has the honor of inclosing him some considerations thereon, in all of which he believes Mr. Madison concurred. He has sketched the heads only, as the President’s mind will readily furnish the developement of each. He will wait on the president at one aclock on some other business, and then...
32013From George Washington to Major General Israel Putnam, 10 February 1779 (Washington Papers)
Your several favors of the 25th and 26th Ultimo met me in Philadelphia. To give a just decision in Captain Scudders affair, a more perfect knowlege of the subject is necessary than what I have yet acquired, and perhaps an acquaintance with circumstances which it may be difficult if not impossible to obtain. It appears to me a mixed case, and such a one as may be better decided by Governor...
32014To George Washington from Brigadier General James Mitchell Varnum, 13 April 1777 (Washington Papers)
The 5th Instant I received your Excellency’s Favor of the 12th Ulto; As I had previous thereto virtually comply’d with the Contents, can now only say, I delivered the inclosed Orders to Colonels Crary & Angell. From the first of January last, to the Rect of your Favor of the sixth, of March, the particular Command of the Post at Howland’s Ferry, Tiverton, devolved upon me by Order of General...
32015Cash Accounts, November 1773 (Washington Papers)
Cash Novr 4— To Ditto [cash] recd from Peyton Randolph Esqr. for Intt due Mr Custis £ 15.12.6 To ditto recd from Mr Thos Newton of Norfolk by the hands of Mr [James] Hill 228. 0.0 25— To Cash recd from Mr Auge Willis for Mr Francis Willis Junr 60. 0.0 26— To Ditto recd from Colo. Bannister 32.10.0 Contra 3— By my Subscipn to the Society of useful knowledge 0.10.0 6— By cash paid Colo....
32016From George Washington to Alexander Hamilton, 27 July 1793 (Washington Papers)
After giving the subject of Loans the most attentive consideration I am able under the several explanations which have been required & received from you, my mind has resolved itself into the form of the enclosed paper. But if there is any material objection to the measure there directed unadverted to by me, I am ready & willing to hear it—otherwise it may be carried into effect without delay....
32017Drafts of a Message to Congress, [ca. 19 September 1814] (Madison Papers)
In every sacrifice which the war may require, we have the animating recollection that it was our choice, neither in its origin nor in its continuance. It was long made on us before it was returned on the Enemy. Besides a catalogue of other wrongs, we had borne the capture of nearly a thousand ships, and the impressment of thousands of our seafaring Citizens. We had borne these aggressions in...
32018From Alexander Hamilton to James McHenry, 9 May 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Enclosed is a letter from Col. Smith relative to Joseph Cross a Private in the eleventh regiment— I do not think it proper, on the statement given, to order a discharge. ( Df , in the handwriting of Thomas Y. How, Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress).
32019Enclosure: Recommendations for Constantine S. Rafinesque, [ca. 3] April 1821 (Jefferson Papers)
Testimonials In favor of Prof r C. S. Rafinesque Prof r C. S. Rafinesque was elected Member of the Royal Institute of Naples in 1814. Of the Italian Academy of Arts & Sciences in 1815. Of the Literary & Philosophical Society of New york , in 1816. Of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia
32020To James Madison from Samuel B. Malcom, 30 June 1812 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
30 June 1812, Utica, New York. The letters JM has probably received from Adams and Jefferson recommending his appointment to office encourage him “to solicit the appointment of a Lieutenant in the Navy, a near relation, named ‘William Malcom Barron.’” Barron’s qualifications include “his having recd. a polite edu⟨ca⟩tion, his being the Grandson of a distinguished Revolutionary Officer of this...
32021To Thomas Jefferson from George Taylor, Jr., with Jefferson’s Note, 11 September 1793 (Jefferson Papers)
On shewing the Note you were so kind as to give me, to Mr. Kean Cashier of the Bank of the U.S. he told me that it would be thrown out by the direction on account of it’s want of form. I therefore take the liberty to enclose it and the one he proposed, and to request the favor of you to direct it’s amount to be paid to Mr. Benjn. Bankson, who has promised to forward the same to me in Post...
32022To James Madison from Henry R. Schoolcraft, 5 January 1822 (Madison Papers)
Henry R. Schoolcraft has the honor of presenting to James Madison Esqr., the inclosed geological memoir, which he begs will be accepted with the respectful compliments of the author. RC ( DLC ). Docketed by JM. Henry Rowe Schoolcraft (1793–1864) was a geologist and later an ethnologist who wrote voluminously about his travels in Missouri, Arkansas, and the Great Lakes region and the Indians he...
32023To Thomas Jefferson from Thomas Cooper, 17 March 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
I hope you have received about this time, a copy of my tract on Materialism which I ordered to be sent to you when printed from Philadelphia. I sent you some time ago a third edition of my tract on The Tariff. I see with infinite regret the ignorance or the cowardice of each of the Presidential Candidates on this Question: not one of them dares come out boldly on the one side or on the other...
32024From Benjamin Franklin to [——— d’Anglemont], 5 February 1780 (Franklin Papers)
Copy: Library of Congress Mr. Torris informs me that eight of the Prisoners formerly brought in to Dunkirque by the Black prince an american Privateer are desirous of serving under Capt. Ryan in the fearnot, and that the said Captain knowing them, and placing Confidence in them, is desirous of having them in his service; I do hereby request that you would be pleased to deliver the said Eight...
32025From Thomas Jefferson to W. & J. Willink, N. & J. Van Staphorst, & N. Hubbard, 4 August 1790 (Jefferson Papers)
This serves to advise you that, on the 31st. of July, I drew on you in favor of Messieurs Leroy and Bayard of this place, for four thousand and thirty six florins courant of Holland paiable at 60. days sight, which be pleased to honor and charge to the account of the United States of America, as for arrears of Salary due to me as their late minister plenipotentiary in France and payable out of...
32026[Diary entry: 17 November 1787] (Washington Papers)
Saturday 17th. Thermometer at 44 in the morning—56 at Noon And 55 at Night. A very clear and pleasant Morning. Day fine, Wind tho’ not much of it at No. West. Rid to the Ferry, French’s, Dogue run and Muddy hole. At the first ground being too wet to Plow I sent them to Frenchs which was something drier being lay land. At the other, cleaning the Barley, aided by some of the Dogue run people—but...
32027From Alexander Hamilton to Timothy Taylor, 18 September 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received a letter from General Sheperd requesting the discharge of a soldier who has been enlisted in your regiment. The name of the person is Daniel Bliss, and he belongs to the company commanded by Captain Young. I do not think it proper on the General Sheperd states that the young man is a minor of about nineteen years of age, that his mother Mary Bliss who sollicits his discharge...
320281773. April 7th: Wednesday. (Adams Papers)
At Charlestown. What shall I write?—say?—do? Sterility, Vacuity, Barrenness of Thought, and Reflection. What News shall we hear?
32029From Benjamin Franklin to Arthur Lee, 19 March 1775 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : Harvard University Library I leave Directions with Mrs. Stevenson to deliver you all the Massachusetts Papers, when you please to call for them. I am sorry that the Hurry of Preparing for my Voyage and the many Hindrances I have met with, prevented my meeting you and Mr. Bollan, and conversing a little more on our Affairs before my Departure. I wish to both of you Health and Happiness,...
32030To Thomas Jefferson from Francis Hopkinson, 31 March 1784 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you about a week ago requesting you to procure for me from the proper office in Annapolis certified Copies of certain Papers, which are wanted in a Law Suit. Am in daily Expectation of the Answer which hath not yet got to hand. A gentleman in Town is making an Air Balloon of 6 feet Diameter; it is now almost completed. What the Success will be Time must shew. Mr. Morris’s...
32031From Alexander Hamilton to Joseph Whipple, 21 June 1790 (Hamilton Papers)
[ New York, June 21, 1790. On July 23, 1790, Whipple wrote to Hamilton : “I have delayed to answer your favor of the 21st June.” Letter not found. ]
32032General Orders, 24 June 1780 (Washington Papers)
The General Court martial whereof Brigadier General Hand is president will meet tomorrow morning nine o clock at Morristown and will continue sitting from day to day unless especially adjourned by the President. The General Officers directed to meet yesterday to settle a dispute of rank between Colonels Hazen and Livingston will meet this day at twelve o clock at the house on the forks of the...
32033From John Adams to Benjamin Rush, 25 August 1811 (Adams Papers)
If I could be considered as a Friend to the Family I should Advise the Grand Children of Dr Franklin to divide the Real Estate among them in their several proportions rather than to sell it in order to divide the Money. Not a Liver or a Stiver was ever committed to Dr Franklin or any other Minister of The United States in Europe, “to be employed, in Secret Services to his Country.” The Million...
32034[Diary entry: 24 October 1771] (Washington Papers)
24. Clear and Cool in the forenoon but Warm afterwards.
32035Thomas Jefferson to the Democratic Republican Delegates of Washington County, Pennsylvania, 31 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The satisfaction you express, fellow citizens, that my endeavors have been unremitting to preserve the peace & independance of our country, & that a faithful neutrality has been observed towards all the contending powers, is highly grateful to me, and there can be no doubt that in any common times they would have saved us from the present embarrasments, thrown in the way of our national...
32036From George Washington to Major General John Sullivan, 19 August 1778 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 17th came to hand an hour and a half ago; and at the same time, that I regret extremely the Count not being arrived, for whose fate, I feel the greatest anxiety, I am happy to learn, that you had been able to extricate yourself from the difficulties you laboured under, and that you had so favourable a prospect before you—I shall wait the issue with the most anxious...
32037To George Washington from Alexander Contee Hanson, 9 September 1793 (Washington Papers)
Having been informed, that the place of collector for the port of Annapolis will shortly be vacant, by the resignation of Mr Davidson, I take the liberty of recommending Mr Burton Whetcroft, as his successor. The very high opinion I entertain of this gentlemans merit has prompted me to advise him to become a candidate for an office, which will be compatible with his present employment of...
32038James Madison to James Monroe, 15 September 1829 (Madison Papers)
I recd. yours of the 10th. with a full sense of your kindness in taking so much interest in my health. Subsequent to your call on me, I had a return of fever which reduced me to a state of greater weakness than I had before experienced. For several weeks passed, have been on the recovery in strength as well as health; and if no relapse takes place, I may be able to give my attendance at...
32039From George Washington to Jean-Baptiste Donatien de Vimeur, comte de Rochambeau, 16 January 1782 (Washington Papers)
I have had the honor to receive Your Excellencys Letter of the 8th and can assure you nothing on my part shall be wanting to induce Congress & the States to make as great preparations as possible for a combined operation & to improve every aid His Most Christian Majesty may be pleased to afford to the best advantage. It was with extreme Satisfaction I heard the joyful News of the birth of a...
32040To George Washington from Nathaniel Shaw, Jr., 1 October 1776 (Washington Papers)
The 29th Ulto I shipt by Capt. Webster Seventy Two Tents which was Sent me by Daniel Tillinghast Esqr. of Providence and hope they will git Safe to hand—I now by Capt. Thos King Send you Nine Marque and Ninety Seven Common Tents which I hope will also Come Safe —In Case any of the Brittish Ships Should come down this way, I think we Should have the Earliest Notice of it, as we are Daly Shiping...
32041Tobias Lear to Clement Biddle, 14 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
I have now before me your several favors of the 15th, 19th and 29th of August, and 2d of September. The Prayer-Books came safe to hand, and were much approved of by Mrs Washington. As there is, at present, no opportunity from this place to So. Carolina by water, I have taken the liberty to commit the enclosed letter to your care, requesting that you will be so good as to have it put on board...
32042From George Washington to Edmund Randolph, 12 July 1786 (Washington Papers)
Your letter of the 7th is this instant come to hand. Elizabeth & Sarah, daughters of Michl Cresap, live I presume in Hampshire, to the Sheriff of which I will direct the summons; tho’ it is at a hazard—having no other knowledge of the matter, than that their mother married one Jacobs of that county. Luther Martin lives in Maryland, and is I believe Attorney General of that State—What is to be...
32043To George Washington from James Seagrove, 27 July 1792 (Washington Papers)
I herewith send you a copy of what I had the honor of communicating to you on the 5th instant which I sent by express to Savannah to be forwarded from thence by Mr Habersham the Collector since that date I am not so happy as to receive a line from any of the public departments and as the Cloud in this Southern Country seems to thicken with matter interesting to you and the Union I must again...
32044From James Madison to Congress, 11 December 1812 (Madison Papers)
I transmit to Congress copies of a letter to the Secretary of the Navy, from Captain Decatur of the Frigate “United States,” reporting his combat and capture of the British Frigate, Macedonian. Too much praise cannot be bestowed on that officer and his companions on board, for the consummate skill and conspicuous valour, by which this Trophy has been added to the naval arms of the United...
32045To Benjamin Franklin from John Adams, 3 February 1783 (Franklin Papers)
AL : Library of Congress; copy: Massachusetts Historical Society Mr Adams has the Honour to inform Dr Franklin that the American Ministers for the Peace, are desired by the British Minister to meet him at the Hotel du Parc Royal, Wednesday, at Eleven, for a Conference concerning the Definitive Treaty. Addressed: A Son Excellence / Monsieur Franklin / Ministre Plenipotentiaire / des Etats Unis...
32046To John Adams from Henry Knox, 10 June 1791 (Adams Papers)
I embrace the occasion of enclosing some letters, to thank you and Mrs Adams for the comfortable accommodation of your house at Bush Hill. While the inhabitants of this City are panting for breath, like a hunted hare, we experience a in the Hall at Bush Hill a delightful and animating breeze The paragraphs in the Connecticut and New York papers relative to your journey indicate envy and...
32047To John Adams from C. W. F. Dumas, 14 April 1781 (Adams Papers)
Quoique je n’aie encore vu personne, je prends néanmoins la plume, pour avoir l’honneur de vous dire, qu’après y avoir bien murement pensé depuis que nous nous sommes quittés, il me semble que vous ne pourrez vous passer, pour éviter tout blâme et inimitié, lorsque vous viendrez ici pour la démarche en question, de faire votre premiere visite chez M. l’A—— de F—— afin de lui donner...
32048To James Madison from James Leander Cathcart, 22 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
In mine of 26: April I had the honor to inform you that this Island had been returned to the Porteguese on the 23d. of said Month, since which no alteration whatever has taken place, neither has any thing of moment Occurrd. By this Conveyance Mrs. Cathcart, has sent a Tub containing some Grape vines of a very superior quality which she Requests Mrs. Madison to accept, with her best Respects....
32049To Benjamin Franklin from John Paul Jones, 6 March 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society The mystery which you so delicately mention in your much esteemed favor of the 24th. Ulto.— it has been my intention for more than Twelve Months past to communicate to you; which however I have put off from time to time on reflecting that the Account must give you more pain than pleasure:—yet had I not, on my sudden departure from hence for Paris,...
32050To Alexander Hamilton from John Smith, 3 December 1799 (Hamilton Papers)
The sickly situation of South Carolina, & especially of Charleston, which appeared to me to be the point for assembling the Officers, selected in this State for the 5th. Regiment, prevented me from calling them together, sooner than the first of Novr. But the uncommon warmth of the weather was such, that a meeting did not take place untill the 10th. which was the day that I arrived in...